Every dog breeder always faces the question of buying a collar. Choosing the right collar is important for comfortable communication with your dog. A poorly fitted collar can create a dangerous situation or lead to problems in understanding between the owner and his dog.
Collar types
Collars are divided into several types depending on their practical purpose:
- Everyday,
- Collars for training and behavior correction,
- Exhibition
- Decorative.
For regular walks with the dog, everyday collars are suitable. "Educational" collars allow a stronger influence on the dog. Collars for exhibitions are practically invisible and retain the beauty of the animal's coat. Decorative collars are put on only for the beauty and joy of the owner.
Each of the listed types of collars has its own pros and cons that you need to consider when buying. So let's get started.
Collars
Casual or walking collars are the most common and every dog has. This collar has a standard model with one half-ring and is convenient in that it can be used for dogs of almost any breed, you just need to choose the right size. The everyday collar can be made of leather, tarpaulin, or nylon. When buying, it is best to make sure that the leash ring is strong and well attached to the base of the collar.
Leather collars
The most common is a leather collar. When choosing such a collar, you should not give preference to a product made of soft leather, as it can stretch. Also, when choosing, it is worth considering that moisture spoils the skin, so it is better to choose a collar with processed edges.
The collar can consist of one layer of leather (too thin, it can stretch, and it will also be easier to tear) or two layers of leather. The seamy side can be covered with a soft cloth. When purchasing a collar with metal decorative ornaments, you should make sure that they are firmly attached and do not pose a threat to the animal.
Some dogs chew on leather collars, so keeping them within the reach of a four-legged friend is not recommended. Also, remember that water or heat can crack your skin.
Canvas collars
Such a collar, unlike a leather one, is not afraid of moisture. However, the canvas collar retains moisture well, that is, it becomes heavy. May rot if not dried.
It is quite elastic and durable, it can be washed and at the same time, it has a rather low price. The main disadvantage of a tarpaulin collar is that when any damage appears, it starts to tear. Under heavy or constant loads, it will rupture completely. A canvas collar is an excellent option for "hiking" walks in the fields and forests.
Nylon collars
A lightweight and durable collar that is comfortable for the dog. Nylon does not stretch, does not react to water, and does not fade in the sun. This option is most optimal for small dog breeds. It is not suitable for large breeds of dogs, as it is most often equipped with a plastic fastener, which may not withstand the pulling force of a large dog.
One type of nylon collar is paracord (strong nylon cord) braided collars. This is not surprising - -they are durable and quite bright and beautiful.
In general, nylon collars are reliable, last a long time, and do not lose their quality over time.
Collars for training and behavior correction
Training collars can be divided into three types:
- Straight collar (parfors)
- Stranglehold
- Electric collar.
These collars are not used in everyday life, but there are often situations when you cannot do without them during the educational process. This is especially true for the correction of the behavior of adult dogs with "neglected upbringing". To achieve the desired effect, you must be able to properly use these types of collars.
Important! The use of any behavioral collars is best done under the supervision of an experienced trainer.
Straight collar (parfors)
The effect is achieved due to the presence of thorns on the inside of the collar. The strict collar is divided into two types: wire collar and plate collar. The main difference between the two is the size of the spikes. Lamellar parlors usually have shorter spines than wire ones.
The size of the spines is selected depending on the length of the dog's coat (the longer the coat, the longer the spines). It is important to choose the right size for your dog collar. The number of links of the parlors should be such that the collar is located as close to the dog's ears as possible. Collar size is adjusted by removing extra links.
Important! The strict collar cannot be used all the time! It can injure the animal, in addition, the dog gets used to constant discomfort and stops responding to it. Use partners only if necessary to correct behavior under the supervision of an instructor.
Stranglehold
This type of collar looks like a loop made of metal, leather, or rope. Acts by pulling the loop: the more the leash is pulled, the more the stranglehold is tightened around the dog's neck. This does not cause pain to the dog but makes it react to the pull on the leash.
A leather strap is considered the safest, but the skin requires care. The downside of the stranglehold is that a sharp jerk can injure the dog.
Choosing this type of collar, you should not buy a strap that is too long, as there is a risk that the dog will take it off.
Electric collar
The electric collar allows you to control the dog using electrical impulses that are sent to the dog's neck through a remote control located at the owner.
When buying an electric collar, you should pay attention to the range, power (divided depending on the size of the dog), and stimulation levels. In addition, the electric collar can be equipped with an audible signal to help locate the dog.
Unlike other behavioral collars, the Electric Collar helps control the dog from a distance. Most suitable for stopping unwanted actions of the dog when it is released from the leash. Also indispensable in search training.
The disadvantages of an electric collar include the high cost and the likelihood of an inadequate reaction in dogs with an unstable psyche. As with all types of correction, collars should not be used all the time!
Show collars
Collar for exhibitions should be less visible, its task is the most beautiful and natural show dog in the ring at a dog show, it does not draw attention to himself. Show collars are selected according to the size, color, and coat type of the dog.
Exhibition collars are divided into two types:
- Ringing
- Strangles.
Rings are made of a thin nylon cord or leather, they can be of different colors (the color is selected depending on the color of the dog's coat). The stranglehold is a thin chain or the same nylon cord.
The main difference between the stranglehold and the show ring is that the size of the stranglehold is not fixed, it can be tightened by the handler (the person who puts the dog in the ring), thereby the handler has a corrective effect on the dog. For this reason, in recent years, at large international exhibitions, the noose is increasingly banned from use.
Decorative collars
This type of collar is used only as decoration and does not have any functionality, thus such collars cannot be used to control the dog.
Decorative collars can be made from any material. They are mainly intended for small dog breeds.
How to choose the size of your dog collar
To choose the right collar, you need to determine the thickness of your pet's neck. Since the collar does not fit snugly against the skin, you need to add a few centimeters depending on the type of collar.
The location of the collar on the neck may vary depending on the type of collar:
- For everyday collars, an addition of 5 cm is sufficient, the measurement is taken closer to the base of the neck.
- The strangleholds will require a slightly larger increase - 6 cm.
- The strict collar is worn higher, as close as possible to the dog's ears. It is better to take it a little longer since the extra links can always be removed, but a collar that is too short will not put the right pressure on the dog.
For correct measurement, the dog must be standing or sitting. The measuring tape should not slack or be too tight.
Common collar sizes:
- S (decorative, up to 35 cm),
- SM (small hunting and service, 35-41 cm),
- M (medium, 41-48 cm),
- ML (large, 48-55 cm),
- L (large, over 55 cm).
What collar to choose for a puppy
When choosing a collar for a puppy that is already ready to start walking, you need to emphasize the lightness of the collar.
For a sensitive baby, it is better to choose a leather collar with a steel attachment, which will definitely not cause an allergic reaction.
You can also buy a soft collar for puppies, which is easily adjustable in size due to a buckle (usually nylon collars). The collar strap, which can interfere with the puppy, also requires attention.
The collar is very important for both the dog and the person. A properly selected collar can please the owner's eye, make the walk pleasant, and will not harm the dog. This means taking the time to find the best collar for your four-legged friend.